Why Do You Need Minerals?

What are minerals?

Your body needs minerals for its proper functioning. The study of minerals is known as mineralogy. They occur naturally in earth’s crust. Minerals have certain chemical composition, their physical properties are similar, and they have highly ordered atomic structure. When compared to minerals rock is said to be the combination of more number of minerals which do not have specific composition. The minerals are defined as a chemical substance or an element, which must have crystalline structure and they may be obtained as effect of geological processes.

What are the functions of minerals?

The main functions of minerals are to aid in the growth and development of human body and maintain its health. They help to built strong bones which are helpful in the transmission of nerve impulses. They play a vital role in making hormones and in maintaining normal heart beat.

Chemical Structures of Minerals

Without the crystal structure and the chemical composition, minerals cannot be defined in proper manner. If two or more minerals differ in their crystal structure but they have same chemical composition they are said to be poly morphs. Consider marcasite and pyrite have same chemical composition called as iron sulfide but they differ in atom arrangement. In some cases minerals differ in their chemistry but they posses same crystalinity. Periclase, halite, galena have identical cubic crystal structure but they are made up of various chemicals such as sodium, chlorine, sulphur, lead, magnesium and oxygen.

Crystal Structure and Properties of Minerals

Physical properties of minerals are determined by their chemical structures. In two minerals namely diamond and graphite are made up of same carbon, graphite is soft and diamond is hard. The reason for the hardness of diamond although it has been formed from the same carbon that forms graphite is that the carbon atoms are arranged in three dimensional orders. Graphite is soft because the carbon atoms in it are arranged in form of sheet.

Classification of Minerals

There are nearly 4,000 known minerals. Out of those 4,000 minerals 150 minerals are highly abundant and they are known as common minerals. 50 Minerals are infrequent and they are known as occasional minerals. And the rest are known as rare and extremely rare minerals.

Types of Minerals

Minerals are of two different types: they are trace minerals and macro minerals. Macro minerals are consumed by human body in larger than trace minerals. The molecules in macro minerals are prepared from magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorus, and sulfur.

Trace minerals- the name itself indicates that they are required by the human body only in small amount. Substances such as manganese, copper, iron, iodine, zinc, fluoride, cobalt, and selenium are known as trace minerals.

Do you know about calcium mineral?

This mineral comes under macro minerals; bone needs it in huge amount. It helps in the formation of strong bones and teeth. The main sources of calcium are dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, calcium-fortified foods, orange juice, cereals and crackers.

Do you know about iron mineral?

The main part of hemoglobin is iron which helps in the transfer of oxygen from lungs to other body parts. Oxygen is wanted by the whole body to stay alive and healthy. The main sources of this mineral are as follows: meat, (especially red meat such as beef), leafy green vegetables, broccoli and whole and enriched grains like wheat or oats.

Happy Victoria Day

Happy Victoria day everyone. I am not sure what it is anymore, I am not a huge royality hound, but potentially having the day off is nice. I say potentially since I have to work, it is all over time but it is still not cool, like I mentioned yesterday work has been slightly nuts. I have many different projects on the go both professionally and personally and my moods have been a little weird.

I spent most of this weekend working, Saturday at home doing some Professional Practice diaries, yesterday I was at the office, and today I am going to do both…..well if it stops raining I will go to the office.

Something that I have started doing to try to keep my nutrition in check is taking some Greens+, in addition to my vitamins. I have found that it has really helped my energy level since I haven’t been going to the gym as much as I would like. It is a little on the expensive side, so I would suggest trying to get the stuff in your diet the old fashioned way whenever possible.

Fighting a Cold

I just got back from vacation and I have a cold. I think that I got it when I was walking around in the rain, I was not going to stay inside on my vacation just because it was raining.

Anyway I think that my feet got wet and now I am paying for it. I have a sore throat and head cold. Now I am eating the foods that can be found in the article Food to Combat a Cold.

This is one of the things that I take serious, I am sure that one of the reasons that I got the cold in the first place is that I was not eating right the week before and the week of my vacation. So now I am trying to make up for it by eating as healthy and fresh as I can. I went to the market yesterday and bought apples, pears and grapes to snack on while I am at work. While I was there I also got some symptom relief stuff like ginseng etc.

I will not be going to the gym till I am feeling better so there is going to be a delay on my updates, but I will be sure to keep everyone up-to-date on what I am up to….

Food to Combat a Cold

Are you feeling a little under the weather or have a lump or tickle in your throat. Many people that experience minor ailments such as the common cold, can feel better by eating and drinking healthy items that boost their energy and body defenses. Here are some tips on some great foods and beverages to combat a cold.

Most health professionals recommend that you drink lots of fluids and that you take certain vitamins to help combat a cold. Most people like beverages such as hot tea or juices to help give their bodies a boost of vitamin C and vitamin A. Zinc is also a mineral that can be very helpful for combating a cold. Most people when under the weather have small appetites so it is important to make the most of what you eat. Chicken soup is an all time favorite with warm broth, vegetables and small pieces of poultry. Most people love to indulge on soups and other hot meals when combating a cold or minor ailment.

Another great food to eat are fresh fruits. Fruits contain energy and great vitamins. Fruits such as apples and oranges can help you combat a cold. So if you are under the weather consult with your physician and enjoy great foods to combat a cold.